Modern Indian Cuisine Meets Santa Monica
After making a name for themselves in the Bay Area with their fine dining modern take on Indian cuisine, New Delhi-born restaurateurs Anu and Vikram Bhambri have headed south to Santa Monica and are mixing tradition with a few twists and an open flame at their new restaurant, Fitoor.
The Restaurant
Fitoor, which translates to "passion" in Hindi, opened in early December at 1755 Ocean Ave., near the Viceroy Santa Monica. The modern 200-seat space features wood flooring and sealings, gold tones, an emerald green private dining room, and a luxurious bar.
The Menu
The menu is anchored by wood-fired and grilled Indian dishes inspired by the seaside setting and the owner’s goal of changing people’s perceptions of traditional Indian cuisine.
"Our food is more about what current India is about. It’s food presented well while still keeping the tradition," Anu Bhambri said.
Dishes
Dishes at Fitoor that highlight this goal include the hefty Lamb Shank Rogan Josh, made with pickled onions, greens, and served in its red broth. It’s a traditional dish from Kashmir.
"The shank is very tender, it looks really spicy but it’s not very spicy," Vikram Bhambri said. "You are basically tasting a piece of Kashmir when you bite into this dish. It’s got warmth, it’s very flavorful with the combination of the lamb meat and sauce. The first impression is just an explosion of flavors in your mouth," he added.
They also take inspiration from Indian street food with dishes like the Bombay Papdi Bhel.
"Street side vendors take puffed rice and add some spices and it’s served in basically a paper bag. It’s a very common street food," he said.
At Fitoor, it’s elevated with puffed rice, mint, and date chutney.
"It’s just basically a very refreshing, very light dish," he said.
And with tourist-heavy Santa Monica in mind, they also created a quick bite meal in the form of the Chicken Tikka and Jalapeño Pizza.
"We wanted to create a pizza that will showcase Indian flavors but also be something that anyone would want to try," he said.
Cocktail Menu
The restaurant also has a heavy focus on its cocktail menu with drinks like the creamy Sakura, a brandy-based drink with maraschino, guava, bitters, and egg white.
"We focus a lot on our cocktail and wine program. People associate Indian food with spices so they say beer goes well with it, but our food is not very spicy, it’s all about flavors," Anu said.
Conclusion
Fitoor is a modern Indian restaurant that brings a new level of sophistication and creativity to the traditional Indian cuisine. With its focus on wood-fired and grilled dishes, elevated street food, and unique cocktail menu, Fitoor is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Indian cuisine in Santa Monica.
FAQs
Q: What is the inspiration behind Fitoor’s menu?
A: The menu is inspired by the seaside setting and the owner’s goal of changing people’s perceptions of traditional Indian cuisine.
Q: What makes Fitoor’s Lamb Shank Rogan Josh unique?
A: The dish is made with pickled onions, greens, and served in its red broth, making it a traditional dish from Kashmir.
Q: What is the Bombay Papdi Bhel dish inspired by?
A: The dish is inspired by Indian street food, where puffed rice is served with spices in a paper bag.
Q: What is the focus of Fitoor’s cocktail menu?
A: The focus is on showcasing Indian flavors in unique and creative cocktails.
Q: Is Fitoor suitable for tourists?
A: Yes, Fitoor has created a quick bite meal in the form of the Chicken Tikka and Jalapeño Pizza, making it a great option for tourists.
